Post Reports
What ‘Conclave’ gets right about choosing the next pope
May 6, 2025
Shane O’Neill, a style reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the recent film 'Conclave' and how it reflects the real-life process of electing a new pope after the passing of Pope Francis. He contrasts the dramatic portrayal in the movie with the actual voting mechanisms and the spiritual significance behind them. O’Neill also explores the surge of interest in the film and its thematic ties to authoritarianism, shedding light on the complex dynamics and ideological divides among the cardinals involved in the historic conclave.
24:06
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Quick takeaways
- The movie 'Conclave' effectively mirrors the secretive and procedural nature of the real papal election process among cardinals.
- The film explores the intersection of political dynamics and religious authority, reflecting the substantial global influence of the papacy today.
Deep dives
The Secrets of the Conclave Process
The conclave process for selecting a new pope is shrouded in secrecy, which heightens curiosity around it. In the movie 'Conclave,' a dramatized portrayal of the process is explored, detailing the isolation of cardinals as they deliberate without external communication. This accurately reflects the real-life procedure where cardinals gather to vote for a new pope following the death of the current one, requiring a two-thirds majority. The film's dramatization draws on insights from previous conclaves and extensive Catholic scholarship, offering viewers a glimpse into the intricate political and spiritual dynamics at play.
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